A MAN has been jailed for launching a savage knife attack on a friend while under the influence of drink and drugs.

Michael Watson was sent to prison for four years after Durham Crown Court was told that the injuries he inflicted could have proved fatal.

Watson, 26, met his victim as they made their way home to the Delves Lane area of Consett after leaving a nightspot in the town last June.

Julie Clemitson, prosecuting, said the victim, a man in his 20s, invited Watson for a drink at the flat he shared with his girlfriend.

Some time later, Watson went into the kitchen for a drink and emerged carrying a knife.

He told his host: "You're going to meet Satan the Devil tonight".

Watson then lunged at his friend, stabbing his left shoulder and saying: "You're going to die".

The terrified victim suffered further stab wounds to the chest, abdomen, arm and leg, despite trying to fend off the blows.

It was only when his girlfriend awoke after hearing the screams and came into the room that he was able to break free, said Miss Clemitson.

Watson told police he could only remember being involved in a struggle but had no other recollection of events.

His victim spent three days in hospital, receiving treatment for multiple stab wounds, one of which a pathologist said could have proved fatal.

Don MacFaul, mitigating, said there was no premeditation and that Watson remained confused about why the spontaneous action arose.

Watson, of Lambton Avenue, Delves Lane, admitted wounding with intent.

Jailing him, Recorder Rodney Jameson said it was a troubling case, committed after he had drunk to excess and taken Ecstasy tablets.